Disney's Club Level (CL) Information & Questions

[Dispro1]

Hmm. This is interesting. I wouldn’t do it if it meant 6 hours committed in the park(s) (meaning if it’s still one FP per hour). That would hog up too much of my day and be a waste of our time on filler stuff we’re not super interested in waiting for the next window to open. I’d much rather spend my down time at the pool or lounge. Allowing me to overlap the 6 FPs so I could get in mores rides and still have my down time, I’d do it in a heartbeat.

If it’s multi park, that’s appealing but again, it’s too much a chunk of the day tied up. We’re sleep in, hit the parks by 11am, spend 3-4 hours, pool, lounge, dinner/perhaps another park and more lounge people. With that pace, I can’t see carving out 3 more hours and not enjoy the resort amenities I’m also paying for.

Totally agree! We are typically 3-4 hours park time total per day because we love pool/lounge time! However, I was thinking we could maybe add one FP to our usual three and then do the other two between appetizers and desserts?? I hope that for a trip longer than 3 days you can choose which days you want your extra FPs rather than having to do the 3 days in succession...so we can add in our usual fave restaurants a few nights! If we can spread them out, it may actually give us enough time to dedicate a whole day (or more) to resort time...or something else entirely! This really could make the trips more relaxed! But again, I guess we need details!

 

[mmtwinmama]

Does anyone know if you would have to get the 3 days for everyone in the room? I may consider it for 1 person because my Mom doesn't really ride the hard to get rides so with her FPs and these extras that might work out for us.

And- will texting service go away now? I hope not.

 

[jods]

Totally agree! We are typically 3-4 hours park time total per day because we love pool/lounge time! However, I was thinking we could maybe add one FP to our usual three and then do the other two between appetizers and desserts?? I hope that for a trip longer than 3 days you can choose which days you want your extra FPs rather than having to do the 3 days in succession...so we can add in our usual fave restaurants a few nights! If we can spread them out, it may actually give us enough time to dedicate a whole day (or more) to resort time...or something else entirely! This really could make the trips more relaxed! But again, I guess we need details!

We build in at least 1 no park day per trip. I would be happy just doing our 3 fp that day, but the day off makes my kids and husband happy. They like pool/lounge/resort time and a nice dinner. Disney is exhausting and the day off really recharges them. I didn't think about the fact it could add 3 more hours.

 

[NicoleLarson]

Totally agree! We are typically 3-4 hours park time total per day because we love pool/lounge time! However, I was thinking we could maybe add one FP to our usual three and then do the other two between appetizers and desserts?? I hope that for a trip longer than 3 days you can choose which days you want your extra FPs rather than having to do the 3 days in succession...so we can add in our usual fave restaurants a few nights! If we can spread them out, it may actually give us enough time to dedicate a whole day (or more) to resort time...or something else entirely! This really could make the trips more relaxed! But again, I guess we need details!

Does anyone know if you would have to get the 3 days for everyone in the room? I may consider it for 1 person because my Mom doesn't really ride the hard to get rides so with her FPs and these extras that might work out for us.

And- will texting service go away now? I hope not.

The way I read it is that you have to at least have a 3 day ticket and stay 3 nights but you don't have to purchase it for all 3. And since it says per day, I interpret that as all 3 used in the same day. So yeah WDW is keeping you in the park for longer and what are you going to do in between your windows? Oh, let's get a snack, let's check out this shop, etc. It's brillant on their part because now they've found a way to make you pay for that privilage, when otherwise you would be back at the lounge getting a snack or a drink.

Getting a 4th, 5th or 6th FP has never been an issue for us and we go all of the time since we live close. But I understand the convenience factor for those of you that want to do it, no judgement here, it just doesn't work for our touring style.

 

[GoGoBeans]

Totally agree! We are typically 3-4 hours park time total per day because we love pool/lounge time! However, I was thinking we could maybe add one FP to our usual three and then do the other two between appetizers and desserts?? I hope that for a trip longer than 3 days you can choose which days you want your extra FPs rather than having to do the 3 days in succession...so we can add in our usual fave restaurants a few nights! If we can spread them out, it may actually give us enough time to dedicate a whole day (or more) to resort time...or something else entirely! This really could make the trips more relaxed! But again, I guess we need details!

I could be on board if they end up being any time, any tier, any park, and spread over any of 3 days. That could totally work!

 

[Eastern]

There's a ton of judgement out there about embracing this or not. The VIP tours don't work for us as we're only 3 people so we didn't do them -- we've booked a bunch of events that we're paying OOP for ... so if we can do all the big stuff in the parks without having to deal with lines/crowds we're okay with paying for it.... Does club level really make financial sense for most people? Probably not for most who book it - but the value equation isn't necessarily about cost --- it may be more about enjoyment and what you can do while at WDW.

Not sure where you are seeing all the judgement as I have only read the opinions here. Seems like most people here are saying it's not worth it when you want to enjoy other aspects of your vacation (besides parks).

I do think it would be a problem if it was offered to every resort guest just because of the numbers. If a CL guest (highest paying guest at WDW) wants to spend more for this perk, I don't see anything wrong with it. I think CL guests should get a few extra FP for free with the amounts they are paying for the CL experience. The new extra FP purchase offer provides a valued perk for some CL guests while (hopefully) not impacting others in the FP system.

 

[Eastern]

And- will texting service go away now? I hope not.

I guess they might still offer the service to get you a FP for what is available, but I can't see them offering the 'anytime FP' that I have seen some people talking about.

Generally: I'm guessing that FP availability is a sore spot with some CL guests: they are paying a lot of money and finding out that they may not get on some attractions must generate complaints. I am also guessing that CL guests are better at voicing their complaints than the general population.

Hey, they tried the extra FP texting thing and those who tried it seemed very happy with it. So why not continue? Obviously there is enough positive response/demand that they feel it is worth monetizing.

 

[mickeynut1]

We just booked our first ever club level stay at the BC - June 1-10. I'm incredibly excited! Going back and reading the thread now, but if anyone has tips/things I should be aware of, please share!!

Congrats on booking your first CL stay! We haven't stayed CL at the BC so I can't comment on that specifically, but wanted to say I hope you have a great trip .

my gut reaction is this price is too steep for my family of four. I think I’d rather add another night to the trip?

I agree .

The way I read it is that you have to at least have a 3 day ticket and stay 3 nights but you don't have to purchase it for all 3. And since it says per day, I interpret that as all 3 used in the same day.

This is how I read it as well .

 

[Maxie86]

Hmm. This is interesting. I wouldn’t do it if it meant 6 hours committed in the park(s) (meaning if it’s still one FP per hour). That would hog up too much of my day and be a waste of our time on filler stuff we’re not super interested in waiting for the next window to open. I’d much rather spend my down time at the pool or lounge. Allowing me to overlap the 6 FPs so I could get in mores rides and still have my down time, I’d do it in a heartbeat.

If it’s multi park, that’s appealing but again, it’s too much a chunk of the day tied up. We’re sleep in, hit the parks by 11am, spend 3-4 hours, pool, lounge, dinner/perhaps another park and more lounge people. With that pace, I can’t see carving out 3 more hours and not enjoy the resort amenities I’m also paying for.

This! We have been going two and sometimes three times a year for the past 20 years. There is nothing I am willing to spend almost $17 per person to ride. I am spending almost a thousand dollars a night for a room, obviously an extra $100 a day isn't going to break the bank, I just choose to spend my money on other things. The parks are not the focus of our trips now, we spend a few hours in the parks and the rest of the time is spent enjoying the resort. DL has paid FP's...is this the start of charging for them at WDW?

 

[dalmatian7]

From what he’s posted on his site and board - and someone can probably explain it more eloquently than me - it has to do with Disney changing the way they release calendar and crowd information. Evidently, they don’t release information in a timely enough manner to make his crowd calenders - at least the way he used to do them - viable.

thanks, makes sense.

But we try not to talk much about WL because we're selfishly trying to keep it our family secret. Now that there's only 20 some odd rooms, it's too hard to book.

Shhhhhhhhhh!!!! Stop telling people! I feel the same way about the WL!

 

[dalmatian7]

I don't know about this whole FP thing...... We have typically gone in early sept, and other then 2013 had no line problems. This last trip the heat had the kids wanting the pool by lunch time. We typically spent a few hours there in the afternoon then headed out to dinner. My traveling partners are early to bed, so we only did one nighttime show. We were usually back to enjoy desserts in the lounge. We are rope droppers. We actually had FOP FPs but they were for late afternoon and by 2 we needed a break from AK. So we let them go. Plus only part of our group was CL so it wouldn't have worked for all of us. I guess it would depend on how our next trip unfolded. For my immediate family, its just a group of three, so we have better luck getting fastpasses after we are done with our daily three, that said..... I hate being on my phone, to me vacation means putting the devices away. If I could book multiple park FP ahead of time without having to do the refresh it may be worth it. Also, if we ended up going at a busier time, it might be worth it. Maybe I could get more time to "just sit". The nighttime show view may become more appealing as my DD gets older. DH.... thats another story.

I don't think you could ever find monetary value in it, it would be more, "is the convenience worth it to you?"..... um kind of like CL.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Lol, ok, well, I’ve come around a bit on this whole topic. I have a trip in Feb that’s three nights with just me and DW. Thinking I may give it a try.... purely in the name of “thread research”.....

 

[JennLTX]

Our plan is for a split stay in June, with the first half at POR, focusing on MK and AK, and the second half CL at either BWI or YC, focusing on Epcot and HS. I can't think of rides at either one that are worth the extra $300 for DS and me, and the only park where I'd LIKE to have that option would be AK so we could ride FoP multiple times, assuming there's not a limit on Tier 1 FPs. However, at this point, changing my ADRs to accommodate an AK day while at BWI or YC is going to completely screw up my schedule.

Yes, 142 days out it's going to screw me up. WHAT'S HAPPENED TO ME????

I'm usually the Upcharge Queen, but I think this time I'm going to pass on it, and DS and I will spend the $$ on the Epcot Aqua Tour instead.

 

[kcpinwdw]

My opinion on this whole paid FP thing is that it will be worth it for our family if it truly includes reserved viewing for the fireworks. I often book dessert parties and dining packages for this perk, so I see it as about the same price but instead I get extra FP instead of the meal? The desserts are always kind of lame and I would rather eat a $5 rice crispy treat, get awesome viewing for fireworks, and see the extra FPs as a bonus. Once we know the viewing locations I am pretty sure I will sign up for this for our Spring Contemporary trip, as it will just be me and my son and a good way to "test" the value for 1/2 the price of springing for the whole fam. If we don't have to do three days I will be much happier! I'll call signature tomorrow and find out what I can!

 

[foodiddiedoo]

Hello! I'm staying Atrium Club Level at Contemporary soon. I haven't stayed Club since they made changes with the IPO, and have some questions. I haven't been contacted by Signature Services, maybe that's the standard now. I want more info about the new Fastpass up-charge, but wasn't sure if it was worth contacting them now or waiting. Do I get put on a list of upcoming reservations so I can automatically be emailed details when it's officially released? Not sure what the standard is nowadays.

DSS called me yesterday to tell me the person I had been emailing no longer worked in DSS. I asked about the FP upcharge and all they would tell me is "call back on Friday for a new exciting offer".

 

[no one]

Today I am at 90 days before our CL trip in April. I am definitely interested in this. Arguments on whether something is "worth it" or costs too much when it comes to Disney is kind of pointless. We all have budgets in mind for travel. People stay at Values and state they would never stay in a Deluxe and vice versa. Every single item at Disney you could have these arguments. To me I like the idea that CL is finally getting an extra perk.
Our first trip with the kids was two years ago. This is our second trip and dont plan too many more. So to us we want to maximize our time. Some people would argue that it is crazy to spend all this money on airfare, rooms, food and then spend hours in line. For people that go multiple times a year I dont see this making much sense since it is no big deal if you dont ride FOP this time since you can always say you will do it next time. For us there may not be a next time or could be several years away. We did London last year and enjoyed it and we would like to try different areas to travel to. No judgment on the people that like to go several times a year.
I guess we are probably the classic case that Disney is directing this to. Just like anything else at Disney it may not apply to everyone.

 

[AmongMadPeople]

DSS called me yesterday to tell me the person I had been emailing no longer worked in DSS. I asked about the FP upcharge and all they would tell me is "call back on Friday for a new exciting offer".

Good to know! I ended up emailing the generic email last night. Yesterday I got a news item from Disney, which does not list the 3-night stay minimum like I keep seeing people say. Since it was official enough for news I figured they might be able to clarify before Friday, but looks like I'll probably have to wait I'm very interested in adding it, but don't want to get too excited if I don't qualify on a 2-night stay.

 

[Eastern]

I love convenience but $50 per person for 3 additional Disney rides really breaks my value meter.

I think that CL should get 1 free anytime FP per person per day. So there's my vote!

I can see them getting so much backlash from nonCL resort guests that they abandon their pilot program. But I really don't see it being popular enough to continue (at least at the initial offering price).

Poll: http://www.wdwmagic.com/other/theme...in-guests-to-purchase-additional-fastpass.htm

 

[anomamatt]

Lol, ok, well, I’ve come around a bit on this whole topic. I have a trip in Feb that’s three nights with just me and DW. Thinking I may give it a try.... purely in the name of “thread research”.....

Glad you have come around to it! I called them yesterday about my trip next week (haha) and they said I have to call back tomorrow... Obviously I would miss out on the 90-day booking window, but what I really care about is whether we can overlap the new FPs with the original 3 (with respect to FP windows).

For next week (where 90 day booking has no value), I'm probably not going to do it if you cannot overlap them. I have never liked 1 FP per hour. 2 FPs per hour would be awesome.

Unrestricted anytimes would have been ideal, but that clearly isn't happening (per updates and information yesterday). I would beg them to take my money for 3 unrestricted anytimes a day.

 

[ohMom]

Well I’m prepared to tuck in tomorrow for the snow that’s predicted, so I’ll see if I get a call on our 2/25 trip. Had I been outside the 90 day window and traveling at a busier time, we might be tempted, we are a party of 2. However, I do appreciate the thoughts here shared of those FP is more committed time at the park when I planned a long break each day. If they were anytime/anywhere FP, we would likely buy it. Especially considering I have Fantasmic dinner pkg. and a ROL FP bc it’s very difficult for me to stand in line with health issues. But I feel like the ship has sailed for us, too close to fully utilize it. I really think they could do the anytime/where FP; everyone has different priorities and schedules scattered, what do you think?

It feels like more of a gamble being inside my 60 day window, would I even be able to see what FP availability there is before I purchased the add-on?